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Since its inception in November last year, Taiwan based HWTrek started out as a cross between a crowd-funding and a manufacturing advisory platform for hardware companies. But now, HWTrek is putting more attention on the manufacturing advisory side and has newly created a platform called the HWTrek Project Development Hub.

Many fresh hardware entrepreneurs have brilliant ideas. But making those ideas a real product is where most fail. To solve this problem, the Hub guides inventors through a very thorough step-by-step process from idea to design to development and finally production, all the while keeping them on track with a solid project management tool. It also offers a comprehensive database of vetted manufacturers and suppliers. This is astute timing, given the explosion of hardware startups around the world.

It all starts with a questionnaire that asks specifics about your project. This information then informs the experienced HWTrek team and tool how best to manage the project with a customized production schedule and workflow. The platform also allows inventors to invite project collaborators to communicate progress or any issues that need to be resolved. When the time comes, the HWTrek team has expertise across vetting factories, finding the right manufacturing partners, quality assurance, understanding regulations and managing logistics to help overcome any major hurdles.

The impetus to create the Development Hub came from seeing most startups fail before getting to full production. “Startups are shy about asking dumb questions and they often don’t know how to deal with Asian manufacturers.” Says Lucas Wang, CEO of HWTrek.

In dealing with Asian manufacturers, it is vital to identify partners who are both interested in your product and one that is trustworthy. To prove your product is good, building a functional prototype is one way to boost your credibility and get manufacturers attention and signal that you are serious.

For most inventors, getting products made in Shenzhen is the most obvious choice, where the manufacturing ecosystem is firmly established. It’s cheaper, faster and more scalable than anywhere else. In contrast, due to the higher costs of production, many manufacturers in the U.S. only work with high value products like auto parts or medical devices. Besides Shenzhen in the south of China, Dongguan is the place to get components and Hong Kong is a great place for finding designers.

Chinese hardware entrepreneurs of course have a core advantage in being close to the manufacturing hubs. Although most are still not very innovative or are straight copies of Western ideas, there are some who are breaking into the scene with impressive results. ANTVR, is China’s attempt at the new era of virtual reality gaming. It successfully raised over $260,000 on Kickstarter. A more innovative Chinese product is Darma, the world’s first smart cushion that helps to relieve back pain. Fitted with sensors that push notifications to your smartphone, it reminds you when to stand up, fix your posture and even gives you a personalized relief exercises. But don’t forget how lucrative the Chinese consumer market is. China is California based wearable tech company, Misfit’s second largest market.

With years of experience, expertise and fortified relationships in the hardware space, HWTrek is surely poised to take advantage of the world’s natural shift towards internet connected hardware. The Project Development Hub is a great leap forward in helping to propel this generation of hardware entrepreneurs.